The Quest for the Perfect Sandwich

by Veronica Louis

Photo: Veronica Louis

This tale begins like all good stories should… with food.

The year was 2010, it was my second time visiting Paris. After a long visit at the Louvre, one of the largest and most famous museums in the world, my stomach grumbled in hunger. Ignoring the pangs, I made my way through the Jardin des Tuileries towards Champs Élysées, where some of the most expensive shops in the world line the avenue.

Right outside the garden gates, facing a small merry-go-round, there was a modest crêperie/sandwich stand. While I wasn’t really a sandwich person (I was only familiar with the Subway-styled sandwiches), I egged myself on to get a sandwich.

The simple cheese, lettuce and tomato sandwich with Dijon mustard had me at first bite. The sandwich crudité, on baguette bread, melted in my mouth. Every bite was a tad bit more delicious than the last. I had no idea a mere sandwich could taste that good. (more…)

by Veronica Louis

Photo: Etsy.com

Three years ago I left Japan with a heavy heart. I had always told myself that I would return before my visa as a Human Specialist ran out. My re-entry visa expired this February 2014. I wonder if I would have still left Kyoto, if I had known back then that the next time I would once again board a plane would be in three years.

All this to say that, when I returned to Montreal, life happened. Life tends to do that. Finding an apartment, establishing a career as a freelancer, falling in and out of love… All of that “life” stuff happened in the blink of three years.

Now, at 31, I feel like I’ve lived a lifetime between leaving Japan and this present moment. But since change is the only constant in life, I embrace it and welcome it. Tomorrow, I will board a plane bound for Europe where I will have the opportunity to work on an exciting web project while visiting old friends in France, Switzerland and Germany. And for those readers who faithfully followed my solo adventure through India, you will be glad to hear that I will finally be reunited with a couple members of my Hampi family, Eun Sun and Stephen, who live happily together in Berlin. The mere thought of the reunion makes me happy. (more…)

by Veronica Louis

Being 30 was a lot about embracing change. At the beginning of the year I was teaching English, in the summer I was writing, by the end of the year I was working full-time at a radio station.

The year started off strong with the clear goal to write a book about being 30. As I neared completing the novel, something went awry within and I lost myself. The ground caved below me and I was swallowed whole.

Truth be told, I was propelled into that dark place when I discovered that I did not get that “dream” writing job I was working towards. Perhaps my confidence took a hit and that everything-is-going-to-be-alright feeling was too faint for me to emerge from my drab disposition. (more…)

by Veronica Louis

Sal Capone, written by Omari Newton and directed by Diane Roberts, is the epitome of the successful play. From the very first moment, even before entering the theatre space (where the audience is greeted by an eccentric prologue) to the very last (a touching climatic ending), the audience is taken on a journey and transported into a magical world of underground hip-hop where visible minority youth tackle all-too-real issues.

Sal Capone tells the story about a young group of underground hip-hop artists about to launch their career when tragedy strikes. The play deals with a myriad of complex issues such as racial identity, police brutality, homosexuality and general youth angst. The issues of the play are not forced. The play is not a public service announcement trying to shove a message down throats. Instead, accomplished director Roberts, allow the message to flow naturally through the characters. The characters are who they are… they are loud, rowdy and cannot keep their mouths shut. (more…)

by Veronica Louis

Last month I asked you how you felt about turning 30. The results are in. Here are what poll takers between the age of 23 and 42 thought:

Here were some interesting responses to the question:

“It kinda sucked turning 27 (because I felt I was approaching 30 so quickly). So I believe when the time comes I may feel like it sucks. Lol.”

“Everyone is different.”

“Depends what one has achieved by 30.”

“Not just NO, but ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!!”

“Anything after 22 does ;-p”

So you have it peeps, according to you, turning 30 does not suck. Perhaps Jane from How to Be 30 discovers this by the end of the book, perhaps not. Find out in 2014 when the book is released.
🙂
Like they say, age is relative… may you all be happy within!